Best Dispersed Camping near Campton, NH

The White Mountain National Forest surrounding Campton, New Hampshire features numerous dispersed camping options along seasonal forest roads. Popular areas include Tripoli Road in nearby Thornton, offering roadside camping with fire rings and limited amenities, and Town Hall Road Dispersed sites which provide free camping with river access. The region supports both drive-in car camping and backcountry experiences like Guyot Shelter, accessible only by hiking several miles into the wilderness. Most dispersed sites are primitive with minimal facilities, though some areas like Tripoli Road provide portable toilets near entrance points.

Seasonal road closures significantly impact camping access throughout the region. Most forest roads open in late May and close in autumn, with specific opening dates varying by snowmelt and road conditions. As one camper noted, "Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up-to-date road closures." Many roads require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at Elbow Pond where rough terrain has caused issues for some visitors. Wildlife considerations also affect camping practices, with bears frequently visiting sites. Proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters is essential, as temporary closures have occurred following bear incidents at popular camping areas.

Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural setting of dispersed sites in the region. Sites along Town Hall Road receive particularly high ratings for their spacing and river access. According to one visitor, "The sites are well spread out so it felt pretty private. We stayed two nights at two different sites and enjoyed both." Cell service varies dramatically across the area, with most dispersed sites having limited or no connectivity. Visitors to Cherry Mountain Road appreciate the quiet atmosphere, with one camper noting it was "so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by." Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with weekday arrivals recommended during summer months when competition for prime spots intensifies.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Campton, New Hampshire (11)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too"

    2. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all."

    3. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    20 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Sufficient amount of platform, water source, bear proof Joe box, pivy and springs all at one spot"

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    4. Town Hall Road Dispersed

    18 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    32 miles

    "Awesome boondocking in New Hampshire, what a treat in the east coast! Just beautiful scenery, with trees, rivers, creeks, hiking trails with a pond- we absolutely loved our time here. "

    "My first ever dispersed camping experience. So freaking amazing and unbelievable. It was pouring rain when we came to NH so we tried to wait out the rain, but it was getting dark."

    5. Haystack Road

    5 Reviews
    Twin Mountain, NH
    26 miles

    "They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."

    "It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."

    6. Haystack Road

    2 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    "Right near a great swimming hole and the twin mountains. It is quiet, the sites are far apart."

    7. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "This site is about 90 yards from the fire tower trailhead.

    Site #9 goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road."

    "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook. Had some passing by traffic but each site is far apart from each other."

    8. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    4 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    45 miles

    "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night."

    "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road.  The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "

    10. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    43 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Campton, NH

56 Reviews of 11 Campton Campgrounds



Guide to Campton

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Campton, New Hampshire, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a true outdoor experience. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Campton, New Hampshire

  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations like Tripoli Road, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many sites, such as Haystack Road, offer only basic facilities like fire pits and no drinking water.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly bears, as they are known to frequent areas like Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Guyot Shelter

  • The Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping offers a unique experience with platforms and a water source, making it a great choice for those looking for a more structured site.
  • This location is popular among hikers, providing easy access to trails in the White Mountain National Forest, perfect for outdoor adventures.
  • Facilities include bear boxes and a privy, which can enhance your camping experience compared to more primitive sites.

Enjoy Scenic Views While Free Camping Near Campton

  • For breathtaking views, consider camping at Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, where you can find sites that offer privacy and stunning natural scenery.
  • Many sites along this road are well-spaced, allowing for a peaceful camping experience away from the noise of other campers.
  • The area is also close to hiking trails, making it an ideal spot for those who want to explore the beautiful landscapes of the White Mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Campton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Campton, NH is Tripoli Road with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Campton, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Campton, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.